Economic Evaluation of Corn Processing for Finishing Cattle

A finishing trial was conducted to determine performance of steers fed dry-rolled, high-moisture and steamflaked corn-based diets. High-moisture corn and steam-flaked corn were determined to have 100% and 108% the value of dry-rolled corn, respectively. Estimated costs of corn processing ($/ton) ranged from $1.44 to $1.60 for dry-rolled corn, $1.98 to $2.34 for high-moisture corn, and $6.79 to $7.16 for steam-flaked corn. Economics of high-moisture corn are dependent on the discount at which it is purchased to dry corn. Economics of steam-flaked corn are dependent on corn price, but appear attractive at prices common in Nebraska